Chinese Super League: everything you need to know about the 2022 season from new players, new clubs to three city Covid-19 hubs

The 2022 CSL kicks off on Friday night with a record 18 clubs rounding out a new-look playing field

From bio-secure hubs to lingering financial woes, we take a look at the new season and how officials are navigating Covid-19 restrictions

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Defending Chinese Super League champions Shandong Taishan get the new season under way on June 3. Photo: Handout

Published: 4:30pm, 1 Jun 2022Updated: 5:10pm, 1 Jun 2022

After lengthy Covid-19 delays, the Chinese Super League returns on Friday for the 2022 season opener, as defending champions Shandong Taishan face newly promoted Zhejiang FC in the city of Haikou.

The build up to the 2022 season has not been short on drama, with lingering financial problems leading to the collapse of Qingdao FC and Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic.

But despite the woes, the show goes on and the new season promises to serve up a number of tantalising storylines as new clubs and players join the fray and officials seek to work within the guidelines of complex coronavirus restrictions. We take a look at what’s in store and what’s at stake as the delayed 2022 season begins.

Shenzhen FC defender Zheng Dalun will be a core part of the team in 2022. Photo: CSL

What’s new?

Well, a lot. For starters a record number of 18 clubs will compete in the 2022 CSL season under the catchy slogan of “Together for New A Future”.

There’s a few new clubs too. Relegated in 2021, Dalian Pro have been bumped up to replace Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic, while also joining will be Wuhan Three Trees, Meizhou Hakka, and Chengdu Rongcheng.

Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic disbanded and withdrew from the CSL under heavy debt. Photo: Handout

Where will games be played?

This year, matches will take place in three bio-secure hubs in Meizhou, in south China’s Guangzhou Province, Dalian in the northern Liaoning Province, and Haikou in the southern city of Hainan.